Transformation

I’ve written a bit before on Clear Thinking, and I’d like to continue on that topic for this devotional.

When our lives change, it is largely because our thinking has changed. That is a funny thought for some of us. At least, that is true of me. Being the problem myself is an answer pride will hide from me again and again.

Of course, I’d love to be more like Jesus. Wouldn’t you? Less sin, more goodness. Less of me, more of him…that even sounds like a scripture verse I knew once. So, naturally, I would pray that God would help me become more like Christ. Whatever that means needs to happen, I don’t completely know. Perhaps it’s an outside force (God) which would impose change in my life. I desire to have a changed life, so I’ll ask and wait for God to change me. Simple enough.

Let’s be clear, it is certainly true that God changes lives and hearts, that’s just not all that’s true. It is also true that we can play a part in the changing.

A Lofty Charge

We are charged with two tasks: present our lives to God for His use and be transformed by renewing our minds. Those are things Paul is asking the believers at Rome to do, and by extension, believers today.

[pullquote style=”right” quote=”dark”]I beseech you…present your bodies a living sacrifice…be transformed by the renewing of your mind.[/pullquote]

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. — Romans 12:1-2

Now to circle back, I wonder if we get stuck here; wanting our lives to change, waiting for and trusting in God to work, but doing nothing ourselves. Yet, indeed, we have been asked to do something. Being asked to do something pretty clearly suggested you should…you know…do it.

A Role that Matters

It is very encouraging to know we have a role to play, that we can participate —contribute even!— in the work God is doing in our lives.

Have you ever considered the idea that God might use YOU to change YOUR LIFE? Romans 12:1-2 suggests we can play a role in our lives changing, and it begins with living for God’s glory (presenting your bodies a living sacrifice) and being transformed (by renewing our minds).

There in verse 2: be transformed by the renewing of your mind. So it is the renewing of the mind that transforms us. Renew the mind. Be transformed. That’s the part we play.

Next month, I’ll write on how we go about the renewing!